How to migrate Confluence Server files to Confluence Cloud without running Confluence Server?

[HF]

We used Confluence Server until 2020, at which point we backed up the Confluence Server files and stopped using Confluence altogether.

We've recently started using Confluence Cloud, and we would love to import that old Confluence Server content into our Confluence Cloud.

Is it possible to feed the old backed-up Confluence Server files directly into Confluence Cloud?

Or (much less attractive a proposition), do we need to spin up a free 30-day trial of Confluence Datacenter on our server, point that Confluence Datacenter instance to our old Confluence Server folder, and then use the Confluence Migration app.

Or, (even *less* an attractive proposition) is this a lost cause?

[Trudy Claspill]

Hello @HF 

Welcome to the Atlassian community.

What type of backup method did you use?

There are basically two methods for migrating Confluence content from a Server/Data Center instance to Cloud:

1. The Confluence Cloud Migration Assistant: this is an app that runs on your self hosted instance and copies the information to the new Cloud instance. Your self-hosted instance must be running and the UI accessible to use this method.

2. Space export from the self-hosted instance and space import to the Cloud instance.

These two methods are discussed at a high level here:

https://support.atlassian.com/migration/docs/cloud-migration-methods-for-confluence/

The method that will work for you depends on the form of the backup. It may be necessary to instantiate a new self-hosted instance and restore your backup in order to proceed with a migration.

Depending on the "size" of the data you want to migrate and the effort involved, you may want to consider engaging with an Atlassian Solution Partner to help you through this process. You can find a partner in your region from the partner directory.

Disclosure: I work for Praecipio, an Atlassian Platinum Solution Partner serving North America. If you are interested in engaging with us, contact us through our website or let me know and I can help you reach our team.